Kateryna Shokalo works as an Associate at Asters, Kyiv, and was awarded a partial grant to attend the Swiss Arbitration Academy (The SAA Practioner's Course). Kateryna practices international arbitration and litigation and was involved in complex projects spanning over multiple jurisdictions.
Agatha Brandão, SAA's Director of Studies, asked Kateryna a few questions to get her insight into the programme.
How would you describe the ArbP course? What did you like the most about the modules you attended?
In my view, the hallmark of this course is the practical approach of module leaders and speakers who are generous in discussing real examples and giving advice based on their rich experience. The ArbP course allows experiencing the essential stages of arbitration and related court proceedings based on a mock case. The programme focuses on important details regarding the practice. As an arbitration practitioner, I appreciate that we discussed the nuances of drafting the request for arbitration and terms of reference, we examined difficult fact witnesses, and scrutinized different experts’ reports.
What do you have to say about the group of participants?
This is another hallmark of this programme. I was lucky to study with such an amazing and diverse group. The participants came from different backgrounds: counsels and in-house lawyers, engineers, contract and project managers, insurances & claims managers. This brings an invaluable input into the learning process, and I think that all participants found it useful. On the one hand, it helps to look at the work of arbitration counsel from a practical, result, and client-oriented perspective. On the other hand, for a client, it creates a more comfortable perception of arbitration and counsel work. The duration of the modules, as well as its interactive focus, allows the participants to build lasting relationships.
Do you believe that being awarded a partial grant was essential to attend the Swiss Arbitration Academy? How this opportunity will help you to advance in your career?
Yes, this grant was essential for my decision to take this course, and I am genuinely grateful to the Swiss Arbitration Academy for this investment! I gained an insight into the Swiss approach to arbitration, enriched my toolset for arbitration proceedings, got feedback about my advocacy skills, and trained myself in witness examination. I hope that more people will be able to benefit from this opportunity.
To attend a summer course or separate modules during a year, what is the difference between these dynamics in your view?
The practical difference is how much time you may dedicate for a course on-the-job. Compared with the three weeks Summer Courses at the Hague Academy of International Law I took earlier, it is easier to manage separate "Thursday to Monday" modules dispersed over a year. On the other hand, it is more expensive and time consuming to travel several times to Switzerland.
Have you been to Switzerland before? How was the experience in Geneva/Zurich? Any tips for accommodation and expenses?
Yes, I have been to Switzerland before. Probably this is why I was not disappointed about not having free time to discover the cities; the course is intensive. The hotels are convenient, but there are also decent and budget Airbnb places in a walking distance from the offices or hotels we had the sessions in.
If a potential candidate is unsure about the CAS vs. ArbP Program, what would you say?
The first module is an intensive introduction into arbitration, and taking CAS allows to publish a paper supervised by any member of the Academic Council. However, if a candidate has a solid background in arbitration and wants to focus on practical aspects or to study deeper certain issues, it is probably better to start straight from the second module. Some participants who initially took the ArbP Course than upgraded to CAS. It is important to understand what one expects to take away from the programme. If a candidate is unsure about any of those takeaways, they may contact someone who participated in the course before; I would be glad to answer such questions. It is great that the Swiss Arbitration Academy publishes the list of participants on the website.
Any suggestions for anyone applying for the partial grant now?
In my motivation letter, I emphasized the skills I would like to enhance during the programme, how my experience would contribute to the discussions, and my pro-bono activities in the legal sphere. Additionally, I also think that unique national and professional background within the pool of the course participants matters.
